Local Cops Support Tasers

Sherman police say taser guns are a vital part of law enforcement, and are a proven to be safe. Tasers have come under fire in recent months, especially after a man died this weekend in Ft Worth, moments after officers stunned him 3 times.

Sherman police say when used properly, the guns protect officers, and in the end result in fewer injuries for the suspect, who is spared the use of lethal force.

The Grayson County Sheriff's Office is outfitting their deputies with tasers this month. Sherman uses 10 of the guns while Denison uses 4.

Below is a study by an independent researcher that found tasers are relatively safe.

The independent study, sponsored by the not-for-profit public policyresearch institute analyzed issues related to stun devices, includingTASER(TM) brand devices brought together experts in medical, industry,policy, military, and law enforcement fields. The report concluded thatwhile further medical testing should continue, when used appropriately,stun technology is relatively safe and clearly effective.

"We are encouraged by the findings of the Potomac Institute for PolicyStudies," said Rick Smith, CEO of TASER International. "The report isconsistent with the results that we continue to see every day in reportsfrom field uses and clearly supports the overall view that TASERtechnology is relatively safe and effective."

"TASER technology is a revolutionary, paradigm-shifting technology. Assuch, it has drawn much attention as its use in law enforcement hasexpanded rapidly over the past few years. Given its rapid adoption anddramatic impact, it has drawn significant public attention, and manyquestions have been raised by law enforcement 'watch-dog' groups.Studies such as this week's Potomac Institute report, last week'srelease of extensive test results from the Home Office in the UnitedKingdom, and the 2004 report from the United States Department ofDefense's Human Effects Center of Excellence are providing valuable,independently validated answers to these concerns. These findingsclearly indicate why TASER technology has been adopted so widely --because it saves lives and reduces injuries compared to more traditionaluse of force options. We continue to encourage additional independenttesting and welcome further review," concluded Smith.

Report Findings:

"Overall, currently available information supports the view that whenused appropriately stun technology is relatively safe. However, thePotomac Institute strongly recommends that additional research beconducted at the organism, organ, tissue, and cell levels. The communityneeds to better understand the specific effects of varying electricalwave forms on organic matter in the immediate time frame of stunapplication, and in the downstream time course as well, to includepossible psychiatric and other non-lethal effects.

The Potomac Institute adopted the FDA philosophy to evaluate the safetyand effectiveness of stun devices. The FDA model considers the risksassociated with a device relative to its efficacy, and considers noproduct to be completely free of risk.

The last, and only, federal level regulatory type review of stun devicesafety was conducted in 1976, by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The available technology at that time was found not likely to causedeath in normally healthy adults.

Odds for stunning to contribute to (this does not imply "cause") deathare, at worst, one in one thousand. The ratio of lives saved to liveslost exceeds 70:1. By comparison, the similar ratio for air bags inautomobiles is approximately 50:1.

Upon examining the 72 mortality cases appearing in the AmnestyInternational 2004 report on stun device use, in no instance was stunemployment implicated singularly as the cause of death, although theapplication of stun devices could not be ruled out as a possiblecontributing factor. These cases showed that other contributing factors,including pre-existing morbidity (such as heart disease), excessive drugingestion, and multiple force applications (baton, wrestling, stunning)could have also led to the deaths.

Available animal modeling conducted by a government laboratory offersindirect evidence of the relative safety of currently available stundevices.

There are no industry standards, regulatory agencies, or federalrestrictions or guidelines, for stun devices. The Potomac Instituterecommends establishing government-endorsed standards that willcontribute significantly to better understanding of this technologydomain.

Although some law enforcement organizations offer exemplary use of forcerules, there is no agreed upon point for placement of stun devices on ause of force continuum.

The report shows that there is no universally accepted terminology ordefinition for non-lethal weapons within the stun device industry oramong users of the technology. The Potomac Institute suggests theadoption of the Department of Defense definition for non-lethaltechnology, which focuses on the intent of the technology and not theoutcome of the use of the device.

Direct evidence of safety can be drawn from law enforcement agencyreports, which provide statistics on situational use and employmentresults

Indirect evidence of efficacy of stun devices can be determined from theincreased acquisition of stun devices by law enforcement agencies. Someorganizations other than law enforcement agencies have actively voicedsupport for stun device use as a non-lethal force option."

To download a full copy of the Potomac Institute's report "Efficacy andSafety of Electrical Stun Devices," visit www.PotomacInstitute.org.

About Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, 501(c)(3),not-for-profit public policy research institute. The Instituteidentifies and aggressively shepherds discussion on key science andtechnology issues facing our society, providing in particular, anacademic forum for the study of related policy issues. From thesediscussions and forums, the Institute develops meaningful science andtechnology policy options and ensures their implementation at theintersection of business and government.

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